I was a visitor on the island of St. John during conference championship weekend, watching the two games while ordering round after round of drinks called “Painkillers.’’

Downing those rum-infused creations was my only astute call of the day.

Backing the Patriots (-3) and Cardinals (+3) left me winless and halted a nice overall stretch against the number. At the start of Week 13, I was slogging along with a record just under .500 and a balance of minus $450. From that point, until the AFC and NFC Championship games, I went 22-9-1, with winnings of $1,255.

None of that matters now. We have one game left, and while it’s a bummer that the home team isn’t involved, placing action on the proceedings automatically generates enthusiasm. I’ll certainly be following that plan, either from my couch in Cleveland Circle, or a friend’s couch in South Boston. Let’s get the last game correct.

Super Bowl pick:

Denver (+5½) over Carolina: Unlike the Super Bowl trip they earned in 2013-14, when no one blinked if they scored 48 points in a game, the Broncos have reappeared on the NFL’s biggest stage because of their ability to frustrate opposing offenses.

I’m a big fan of everything Carolina is doing, but I’m also a big fan of taking a head start with such a ferocious — and healthy — defense. Go against the betting public in this matchup. Risking $495 to win $450.

.   .   .

It’s the Super Bowl, so you have to take some proposition bets. Here are five:

¦ Will Peyton Manning announce his retirement in the postgame interview? Yes. +500. Note how this proposition is worded. To win the bet, Manning has to announce he’s done during his postgame press conference. Not later that evening, and not the next day. So put your feet up following the game, dip back into the salsa, and keep the action going. Risking $100 to win $500.

¦ What will be higher: Kings big man DeMarcus Cousins’s points and rebounds against the Celtics, or Cam Newton’s rushing yards? Cousins. Risking $55 to win $50.

¦ Total passing yards, Cam Newton: over 240½. Risking $110 to win $100.

¦ First touchdown: Devin Funchess, Carolina. 20-1. Risking $100 to win $2,000.

¦ Margin of victory: Broncos to win by 7-12 points: 8-1. Risking $100 to win $800.

Two weeks ago: 0-2, minus $330. Season: 45-36-3, plus $470.

Ed Ryan can be reached at edward.ryaniii@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @EdzoRyan.